Obama a nice guy, OK prez

Fifty-eight percent of the American population thinks so, anyway, according to a new Associated Press/GFK poll released this month. When the government shutdown ended last October, only 49% of the public thought he was “very” or “somewhat” likeable.

Forty-five percent recently said he is inspiring, and 42% believed he was honest.

But some people do not have faith in his presidency. Less than one-third of Americans thought he is an outstanding or above average leader. More people - 42% - believed his job as chief executive is below average or poor, according to the poll. Additionally, 53% of people disapproved of his leadership, the same rate as October 2013.

The president’s credibility took a hit last year among his administration’s mishandling of the health care website rollout and leaks about the National Security Agency’s spying program. He received all-time low approval ratings.

More than half - 64% - of residents said the country is headed in the wrong direction, compared with 35% who thought the outlook looked positive.